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Manchester Arena: 19 dead after explosion at Ariana Grande concert – latest updates Manchester Arena: 19 dead after explosion at Ariana Grande concert – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
4.08am BST
04:08
North West ambulance services says 60 ambulances attended Manchester Arena in the wake of the blast.
It previously confirmed that 59 people were taken to hospitals across Greater Manchester, with some “walking wounded” treated at the scene.
Police have said that 19 people are confirmed to have died, with around 50 injured.
3.56am BST
03:56
Ariana Grande: 'I don't have words'
The explosion happened moments after the end of a concert at Manchester Arena by Ariana Grande.
Grande, who was not hurt in the blast, has now tweeted that she is “broken” by news of the casualties:
broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.
3.52am BST
03:52
Ariana Grande’s manager Scooter Braun has said “our hearts are broken” following the suspected terrorist attack that took place after her concert at Manchester Arena:
pic.twitter.com/BOHKwMx4wW
Updated
at 3.58am BST
3.49am BST
03:49
Bonnie Malkin
Residents of Manchester have mobilised in the hours after the attack, with offers of help for stranded and injured concertgoers flooding Twitter.
Victoria train station was closed in the wake of the incident, and was expected to remain closed throughout Tuesday, leaving many people stuck in the city centre without a way home. As many as 21,000 people – many of whom were children and teenagers – were at the concert.
Using the trending hashtag #roomformanchester, locals offered spare bedrooms, cups of tea and rides to people caught up in the attack.
Taxi drivers reportedly converged on the city offering free lifts to people in need.
3.41am BST
03:41
Helen Pidd
Many people have yet to locate family and friends not seen since the concert. I’ve just spoken to a family from the Philippines searching without success for a missing loved one at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
The 17-year-old girl, who asked not to be named, said she was looking for her mum, last seen in the post-explosion chaos. She and her auntie were with two Mancunian women searching local hospitals. They know her mum’s boyfriend was injured and has been located, but the mum is missing.
They asked not to be named in case they worried family back home. But the teenager said: “When the concert ended we heard a really big explosion, there was smoke coming out.”
3.35am BST3.35am BST
03:3503:35
Eyewitness Joe Gregory posted footage on Twitter that appears to show the explosion in the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande. Gregory said he had been waiting outside the arena for his girlfriend, who was attending the concert.Eyewitness Joe Gregory posted footage on Twitter that appears to show the explosion in the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande. Gregory said he had been waiting outside the arena for his girlfriend, who was attending the concert.
3.27am BST3.27am BST
03:2703:27
Greater Manchester chief constable: full statementGreater Manchester chief constable: full statement
Here is the full update from Greater Manchester chief constable Ian Hopkins:Here is the full update from Greater Manchester chief constable Ian Hopkins:
I can confirm the details of events tonight that we currently know. At around 10.33pm last night we received reports of an explosion at the Manchester Arena in the city centre. It was at the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert.I can confirm the details of events tonight that we currently know. At around 10.33pm last night we received reports of an explosion at the Manchester Arena in the city centre. It was at the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert.
Currently we have 19 people confirmed to have died and around 50 people injured.Currently we have 19 people confirmed to have died and around 50 people injured.
The injured are being treated at six hospitals across Greater Manchester. My thoughts are with all those who have been affected and we are doing all we can to support them.The injured are being treated at six hospitals across Greater Manchester. My thoughts are with all those who have been affected and we are doing all we can to support them.
Officers from GMP and emergency services are working at the scene and are supporting those affected. We are coordinating the response from GMP headquarters.Officers from GMP and emergency services are working at the scene and are supporting those affected. We are coordinating the response from GMP headquarters.
An emergency number is available for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area. It is 0161 856 9400.An emergency number is available for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area. It is 0161 856 9400.
We are currently treating this as a terrorist incident until we know otherwise. We are working closely with the national counter-terrorism policing network and UK intelligence partners.We are currently treating this as a terrorist incident until we know otherwise. We are working closely with the national counter-terrorism policing network and UK intelligence partners.
This is clearly a concerning time for people but we are doing all we can, working with local and national agencies to support those affected and gather information about what has happened tonight. As you will understand, we are still receiving information and updates, so will provide more details when we have a clearer picture.This is clearly a concerning time for people but we are doing all we can, working with local and national agencies to support those affected and gather information about what has happened tonight. As you will understand, we are still receiving information and updates, so will provide more details when we have a clearer picture.
I want to thank people for their support and would ask them to remain vigilant and if they have any concerns report them in confidence to us on the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789321.I want to thank people for their support and would ask them to remain vigilant and if they have any concerns report them in confidence to us on the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789321.
It is important people avoid the area so that we can effectively deal with the incident.It is important people avoid the area so that we can effectively deal with the incident.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.28am BSTat 3.28am BST
3.21am BST3.21am BST
03:2103:21
The US department of homeland security has issued a statement saying it is “closely monitoring the situation at Manchester Arena” and that there could be “increased security” in public places and music events in the US:The US department of homeland security has issued a statement saying it is “closely monitoring the situation at Manchester Arena” and that there could be “increased security” in public places and music events in the US:
We are working with our foreign counterparts to obtain additional information about the cause of the reported explosion as well as the extent of injuries and fatalities.We are working with our foreign counterparts to obtain additional information about the cause of the reported explosion as well as the extent of injuries and fatalities.
US citizens in the area should heed direction from local authorities and maintain security awareness. We encourage any affected US citizens who need assistance to contact the US embassy in London and follow department of state guidance.US citizens in the area should heed direction from local authorities and maintain security awareness. We encourage any affected US citizens who need assistance to contact the US embassy in London and follow department of state guidance.
At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific credible threat involving music venues in the United States. However, the public may experience increased security in and around public places and events as officials take additional precautions.At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific credible threat involving music venues in the United States. However, the public may experience increased security in and around public places and events as officials take additional precautions.
We stand ready to assist our friends and allies in the UK in all ways necessary as they investigate and recover from this incident.We stand ready to assist our friends and allies in the UK in all ways necessary as they investigate and recover from this incident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this incident.Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this incident.
3.13am BST3.13am BST
03:1303:13
The North West ambulance service says it has taken 59 casualties from Manchester Arena to hospitals across the city.The North West ambulance service says it has taken 59 casualties from Manchester Arena to hospitals across the city.
It says it also treated “a number of walking wounded on scene”.It says it also treated “a number of walking wounded on scene”.
3.04am BST3.04am BST
03:0403:04
Police press conferencePolice press conference
Greater Manchester police is holding an update to brief the press and public on the incident.Greater Manchester police is holding an update to brief the press and public on the incident.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins says reports were received at 10.33pm of an explosion.Chief Constable Ian Hopkins says reports were received at 10.33pm of an explosion.
He says 19 people have died, with a further 50 people injured and being treated at hospitals across Greater Manchester.He says 19 people have died, with a further 50 people injured and being treated at hospitals across Greater Manchester.
He says an emergency number has been set up for those worried about loved ones: 0161 856 9400.He says an emergency number has been set up for those worried about loved ones: 0161 856 9400.
We are currently treating this as a terrorist incident until we have further information …We are currently treating this as a terrorist incident until we have further information …
This is clearly a very concerning time for everyone. We are doing all that we can.This is clearly a very concerning time for everyone. We are doing all that we can.
He says police are working with other officials to investigate the circumstances of the explosion.He says police are working with other officials to investigate the circumstances of the explosion.
He asks people to avoid the area around the arena while the investigation is ongoing.He asks people to avoid the area around the arena while the investigation is ongoing.
2.59am BST
02:59
With campaigning for June’s general election understandably suspended, politicians have been responding to the events in Manchester.
Home secretary Amber Rudd said:
My thoughts are with all those affected by this barbaric act. The full details of exactly what happened are still emerging, but I am proud of the police and first responders who reacted to this tragic incident so swiftly.
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted:
Heartbreaking news from Manchester. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones or been injured in this barbaric attack.
Steve Rotheram, the Liverpool city region metro mayor, said his daughters had been at the venue:
Thank you to the Alpha taxi driver who percivered and eventually got through the traffic to pick up my 2 girls from the Manchester Arena.
All my thoughts go out to those parents waiting to hear of the safety of their children. It's a parents worse nightmare. So, so sad.
2.54am BST
02:54
Vikram Dodd
Police said they were dealing with a possible terror incident at the Manchester Arena, with witnesses claiming to have heard an explosion around 10.40pm.
Sources said the the initial theory was that a suicide bomber was behind the suspected explosion, which took place as revellers, many young, were leaving. It was feared the casualty toll may rise.
Counter-terrorism officials were assessing what caused the explosion. Officers from the police and the domestic security service MI5 were part of the investigation.
2.42am BST
02:42
The prime minister, Theresa May, will chair a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee on Tuesday morning.
A statement from 10 Downing Street confirmed that police are currently treating the incident at Manchester Arena as an “appalling terrorist attack”.
2.40am BST
02:40
Some very poignant observations from reporters at the scene. Many of those at the concert were children and teenagers.
Two more ambulances have just pulled into children's A&E at Manchester Royal Infirmary, followed by a van carrying blood supplies
Parents are still arriving here to pick up children. Saw one woman hobbling away from the scene, supported by police.
2.31am BST
02:31
What we know so far
We are awaiting a fresh update from Greater Manchester police. In the meantime, here is what has been verified:
At least 19 people have been killed and around 5o injured after an explosion at Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande.
The blast was reported to have taken place outside the arena, in the public foyer, shortly after 10.30pm.
Investigators say they are treating the incident as a terrorist attack “until police know otherwise”.
No identities of those killed or injured have been confirmed.
A large area around the arena has been cordoned off. Victoria station has been closed and train services cancelled.
A controlled explosion carried out by police in nearby Cathedral gardens turned out not to be suspicious.
Prime minister Theresa May said:
We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack.
All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.
Party leaders Jeremy Corbyn and Tim Farron also expressed condolences. Campaigning for June’s general election has been suspended.
2.24am BST
02:24
Helen Pidd
Our North of England editor is at a hospital where the wounded are being treated:
I’ve just spoken to 17-year-old Ellie Ward with her mother outside Manchester Royal Infirmary. Her 64-year-old grandad was caught in the blast while waiting for her and her friend to come out of the concert. They said he was in the corridor by the merchandise stand in the tunnels underneath the tiered seating when he was hit by falling glass.
Ellie said after visiting him:
He’s OK but he’s cut his cheek, they said he had severed an artery. A lot of glass shattered on him.
He said only realised what had happened when he felt the side of his head and it was bleeding. He was underneath the seats, by the merchandise, waiting for us to come out when we heard a massive shudder. We knew something was wrong.
2.18am BST
02:18
Theresa May statement
The prime minister has responded with a statement:
We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack.
All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.
2.14am BST
02:14
Police at the scene say there are still a lot of people in the area – the capacity of Manchester Arena is 21,000.
Buses have been pressed into service to ferry people out of the area; some local taxi companies are also offering free rides for those affected. Rail services have been cancelled.
Authorities are using Out Of Service buses to transport people safely out of the cordoned area #Manchester pic.twitter.com/LMG33Laip6
Updated
at 2.14am BST
2.09am BST
02:09
The security minister, Ben Wallace, has called for vigilance. He calls the incident an attack; police have said they are treating it as possible terrorism, but we are waiting for confirmation.
Wallace said:
In the light of the attack in Manchester tonight, please be vigilant and if you see anything suspicious call the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789123.
My thoughts are with all the victims of the incident tonight and our emergency services who are out there tending wounded and keeping us safe.
2.01am BST
02:01
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has tweeted his condolences:
My heart goes out to families who have lost loved ones, my admiration to our brave emergency services. A terrible night for our great city